Volunteer Aviators Recognized

The NWS office in Louisville held its 2nd Annual Volunteer Aviators Luncheon on Saturday, November 9th to recognize general aviation pilots for aiding storm damage surveys. Mark Adams, Meteorologist and Lead Forecaster at Fort Knox, was the guest speaker and giving an excellent presentation on many different sources pilots could use to gather weather information prior to flying. Additionally, the group enjoyed lunch, an awards ceremony, an office tour, and discussion of topics related to aviation and meteorology. Pilots flew four different tornado tracks during 2013, all aiding in the entire survey process. Thanks so much to all of our volunteer pilots for dedicating their skills, time, and resources to helping make a more comprehensive damage survey!

(Click on the small images below to see larger pictures.)

Aviator Danny Walker (center), has now flown two aerial surveys for NWS Louisville. This year he surveyed the EF-2 tornado that struck Logan and Simpson counties on June 10, 2013. Pictured left is Meteorologist-in-Charge of NWS Louisville, John Gordon. Pictured right is Meteorologist and Aviation Program Leader, Brian Schoettmer

Several volunteer aviators who attended the luncheon are pictured in front of the NWS Louisville office on Saturday, November 9th.

Lead Meteorologist from Fort Knox Weather, Mark Adams (pictured center left) provides pilots with many sources to find weather information before they fly. Mark is also a pilot and volunteer aviator.

Pilots watch a demonstration of how their aerial photos help the damage survey process.

Kentuckiana Volunteer Aviator, David Katz (right) accepts an award from Meteorologist-in-Charge, John Gordon for his flight after June 26, 2013 EF-1 tornado in Perry County, Indiana. Bob Allen (not pictured) was also on the flight, his second aerial survey for the NWS.

If you would like more information on how to become a volunteer aviator, please contact Brian Schoettmer (brian.schoettmer@noaa.gov).